Snap switch



Feb. 3. 1925.

W. C. MILES SNAP SWITCH Filed Dec. 12, 1922 ,r z'mm arq // if/ 9 50 if/2 2 *1 1a 20 12 j A w a h a Q Patented Feb. 3, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM C. MILES, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNO'R TO MAGNUS ELECTRIC COMPANY,

i INC., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SNAP SWITCH.

Application filed December 12, 1922. Serial No. 606,359.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILuAM C. MILES, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New York city, borough of Manhattan.

county and State of New York, have inwhich,

vented a new and useful Improvement in Snap Switches, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to electric switches of the snap type. I

An important object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and reliable in operation.

A further object of the invention is to so construct the several cooperative elements of the device that they may be easily assembled and effectively retained in their respective cooperative positions to provide a coinpact and efficient switch unit.

Further objects and certain advantages of the invention will become. apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in Figure l is a plan view of a switch plug particularly adapted for the reception of the device embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional View taken on line of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line Il -3 ot Figure 2.

Figure l is a view in elevation of the switch plug with a section of the casing removed in order to illustrate the several switch elements embodying my invention in their respective positions.

Figure 5 'is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure .2.

Figure (5 is a perspective view of a switch unit.

lVith reference to the drawings wherein 1 have elected to show my invention as cmbodied in a switch plug, notwithstanding the fact that the same is equally adapted to be used for example in connection with pendant switches, thermally controlled apparatus, and in various other instances where it is desired to employ a circuit closer operating with a snap action to open and close an electric circuit, the numeral 10 indicates a housing comprisingcomplemcntarysections 11, so mould-ed or constructed as to provide grooves 12, terminating in pockets 13, which form with each other chambers 14, when the sections are united as by means of bolts 15. In constructing the housing 10 the sections 11 thereof are so formed as to provide in termediate thegrooves li and pockets lit, divisional walls 16 and 17, respectively, the adjacent ends of which function as abut ments adapted to receive therebetween a switch block indicated as a- Whole by the numeral 18 and hereinafter more particularly described. The grooves 12 are adapted for the reception of conductor strips 19 and 20 connected respectively to conductors 21 and 22 by means of screws 23, whereas the pockets 13 are adapted for the reception of contact jaws 24 and 25 into which the con-- ventional form of terminals such as are employed in connection with electric irons, toasters and the like, not shown, are adapted to be inserted. In the embodiment of my invention the conductor strip 20 is connected directly to the contact jaw 95 and. is held in engagement therewith by means of a screw 26 whereas the contact jaw 24 is adapted to be electrically connected with the conductor strip 19 by means of an oscillating circuit closer indicated as a whole by the numeral 27.

The switch unit 28 shown most clearly in Figure 6 is adapted to be positioned within the housing 10 in such a manner that when the sections 11 are connected together the divisional walls lti and 17 function cooperatively to retain the switch block 18 t gether with the several associated elements against lateral movement thus insuring a proper po 'sition of the same within the housing under all conditions. The switch l)l()('l\' 18 mav be constructed from fibre. porcelain. or other suitable insulating material and is provided with a longitudinal groove 29 adapted for the reception of a reciprocatory operating member 30, the opposite ends of which project through openings 11 formed in the housing 10, the ends of the operating member being provided with push buttons 32 which function not only to facilitate the operation of the circuit closer 27 but a means for l miting the movement of the operating member by reason of the fact that they are adapted to alternately abut opposite ends of the switch block 18 a the operating member is reciprocatctl This operating member is provided with an opening 3.3 to receive one end of a tension prin r 34 adapted to operate Within an elongated o ni'ng 3:) formed in the switch block 18. 1 e opposite end of the tension spring 34 extends through the elongated opening 35 and is loope-ii through the opening 27 format in the circuit closer 2i' thus providin; h xonnection that when the operating incinhcr 1-50 is reciprooated the circuit closer 2T oscillated with an intermittent; snap at. in to either open or close the cirunit as he case may he. This circuit closer is of ah a nature that it may he readily stamped and thereafter shaped to provide a pair of more or less resilient arms 3t carrying contacts 32} the arms heing formed, in al with a yoke element as, to the hridge of which the tension spring 35-1 i menticiined ll? suitahly connect 7 Jlit? 38 is so shaped as provide, to adapt d to ei'igage the switch hioric lit to limit the movement of the cir Chit close" 27 when the reciprocating; incinher 3 i operated as to open the circuit.

i nor that the circuit closer 27 may lz-l llliiltt freely and in order tha o npltlili'tl piwtat connecti n a-twi-en tin incinircr and h so i h iJlOL'iI l-a may he avoideih ht u'r jii vitlc i the yoke 3-H with a pair oi iiegeiali' spurs it which Jun tion as p votal l Hisupported lrv the switch i own which the circuit lo er to oscillate. A; a lilt'z'lii l' r :ewsivc Wear upon the wit h v event the same constructed w l.tlrt'l2tl iihre, and in order to qn'r onu messive wear upon th spur-e -ll no" h switch i)l it'l is cons ructed 7 ..aterial as porcelain, \vhirh is :4 atrasivc in its lllttltl'o. l hair 1. air of bearings 42 which are or oantersunh thus 'l'ormlng seats nto whi h the pointed eiuls Hi me adapted to operate. 'lhese m y be easily moulded or other- -l within the swit h lll l 'h' l8 t only as a means for elimii'riclion between the circuit witch block l8 :i well as :1 Rating excessive wear upon 1 of these, eh-nu-nts but also peralivelv wi h the spring 1-H or r taining the circuit closer visit ioned upon the switchhlock t-ulltlil'i mS and regardless of the t -i- "it oscillations ii'nparted to the circui 1 r per unit of time.

Th itch block it; is provided at one end thenol m ith a groove 43 which is adapted i he reception of a contact strip 44 h t g a ontact area 44 and suitahly connceti-d l the conta t jaw 24 lr means of a sc w 45. In order to prcrent displace ment o the Contact strip 4-, with respect in the switch hlock 1R particularlv during assent? he evil a unit l have titled the one with shoulders 45 and 47 unction adapted to engage opposite faces of the switch block when the unit. is assembled. Adjacent the groove 43 there is provided an angular slot 48 adapted for the reception of the angularlv bent portion 49 of the contact strip 19, the extreme end 50 of which functions as a contact adapted to cooperate with the circuit closer 27 when the reciprocating member is so operated as to close the circuit. By reason of the angular dis position of the slot 48 and the peculiar mannet in which the end of the contact strip 19 is hent, it obvious that the same may he eii'ectivelv retained in position within the slot 4 8 in the absence of shouldeis corresponding to those of the contact strip 44 and indicated by the numerals 46 and 47. Since the contact strip 44 and the angular-1y bent portion are snugly titted into ther respective grooves and since their outer edges are mainained flush with the end of the switchhloclc lb, it obvious that when the switch block ll; positioned within the housing I hoth the gripping contact 24 and the contact strip 15 are prevented from moving either longh tudinally or transversely and it therefore llt't'llllltH unnecessary to employ screws or other fastening means for retaining these elements propcilv positioned within the casing it).

isolating that the device is attached to an ele tric iron or other electrical apparatus and it desired to close the circuit therethr uoh. the reciprocating member 521') is moved from its full line position shown in Figure 4 to its dotted line position where upon the, tension exerted by the spring 34 upon the circuit closer 27 is transferred to 'fi point heyond the oscillation center of the circuit closer 27 with the re ult that as soon asthis condition is reached the circuit closer 27 is so thrown withaquick snap action as to bring the contact area 37 of the arms :3 into engagement with the contact areas and 44 of the conductors l!) and 44, respectively. To open the circuit with a quirk snap action it becomes necessary only to more the reciprocating member 230 from its dotted line position to the full line liflsltlOIl shown in Figure 4 whereupon the operation of the circuit closer 27 is the reverse of that above des ribed.

in assemhlinglhe switch unit the con tact strips 19 and 44 are fitted into the slots or grooves formed in one end of the switch block 1%,, then the reciprocating." member i l. with the spring 34 attached thereto, is introduced into the groove 2!). the free end oftht' spring :31 heing: therehy projected an appreciable distance through the elongated openin; 35.. The next step in assenihling the unit resides in attaching the circuit closer 27. This is done most expeditiously passing: the hook at the free end of the spring 34 through the opening 27', formed in the bridge ortion 39 of the yoke element 38, while hol ing the circuit closer 27 in an inverted position with the arms 36 extending rearwardly of the switch block 18 or away from the contact strips 19 and 44. After the spring has been thus attached to the bridge portion 39, the circuit eioscr is rotated or turned about its point of connection with the spring 34. for exampie. in a clockwise direction with reference to Fig are 4, thereby bringing the cloir into its proper position upon the switch iiii'i jlx with the spurs 41 seated within the bearings t2. During this inverting movement of the cir cuit closer. the 5]: ng Iii will yield a sutlicient distance without straining it bevond its elastic limit to permit the ends of the arms 36 to pass over the upper face of the switch. block 18.

Having thus described my invention. 1 claim:

1. In an electric switch mechanism, a ca ing, a switch unit adapted to be assembled exteriorly of and thereafter introduced as a unit into said casing. said unit comprising; a switch block having contact receiving open ings formed therein, cont-acts arranged within said openin s and adapted to assume su h a position wit respect to said casing when said unit is introduced therein that the casing functions as a means for maintaining said contacts within their respective openings and a circuit closer adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with said contarts.

2. In an electric switch mechanism. :1 casing, a switch unit adapted to be assembled exteriorly of and thereafter introduced as a unit into said casing, said unit (-Ollll'fl'iSlIlQ' a switch block having contact receiving: openings formed therein, contacts arranged within said openings and having interlocking engagement with said switch block, said con tacts each being adapted to assume such a position with respect to said casing when said unit. is introduced therein that the cusing functions as a means for maintaining: said contacts within their respective openings and a circuit closer adapted to be moved into and out of engagen'u-nt with said contacts.

33. In an electric switch mechanism. a casing. a switch unit adapted to be assembled exteriorly of and thereafter introduced a unit into said casing. said unit comprising a swi ch block having a slot formed therein and provided with an opening. an operatingmenn er having a spring attached thereto, said operating member being adapted to; be so introduced into said slot" that said spring projects through said opening. a circuit closer adapted. wltili in an inverted position. to be attwhed to the projecting end of said spring upon that side of said switch block opposite said groove arid to be thereafter swung around its point of connection with said spring to operating osition upon said switch block, said sprin ing utilized to retain said operating mem er within said groove and to maintain said circuit closer properly positioned upon said switch block. and contacts into and out of engagement with which said circuit closer is adapted to be moved.

4. In an electric switch mechanism, a casing adapted for the reception of a pair of contacts, a switch unit adapted to be assembled exteriorly of and thereafter introduced into said casing. said unit comprisii'ig a switch block having: a groove formed in one side thereof and an ()[KIllllsf extending therethrough. an operating member having a spring attached thereto and adapted to be so introduced into said groove from one side 01'' said block that said spring extends through said opening to the opposite. side of said block. a circuit closer adapted. while in an inverted position. to be attached to the proje ting end of said spring and to thercafter he moved about its point of connection with said sprint to operating position upon said switch block. said spring being utilized to retain said operating member within its groove and to maintain said circuit closer properly positioned upon said switch block and to efi'ect movement. when (o-operating with said operating member. oi' said circuit loser into and out of engagement with said contacts.

5. In an electric switch mechanism. :1 casing adapted for the. reception of a pair of contacts, a switch unit adapted to be as sembled exteriorlv of and thereafter intro duced into said casing. said unit comprising a switch block having a groove formed in one side thereof and an opening extending thcrethrou h. an operatinp member having a spring: attached thereto and adapted to be so introducet'i into said groove from one side of said blo t: that said spring ext nds through said opening to the opposite side f said bl0ck,'a circuit closer ada 'ited. while in an inverted position, to be attached to th projecting end of said spring and to thereafter he moved about its point of connection with said spring: to operating sition upon said switch block, said spring cing utilized to retain said operating member within its groove and to maintain said circuit- (loser properly ositioned upon said switch block and to e ect movement. when (xi-operating with said operating IHQIIlbBR Of said circuitcloser into and out of engagement with said contacts. and seats carried by said switch block and formed from a material unlike that of said switch bloc-k, said seats being adapted to receive said circuit closer and function as bearings therefor.

6. In an electric switch mechanic-n. :1, casing adapted for the reception a pair of after he moved ahout its p int of connection' with said pring to operating position upon said switch blot-it. said spring being utilized to retainsaid operating member within its groove and to maintain aid circuit closer properly positioned upon said switch block and to ei'l e'ct movement. when co-operating with said operating inenihcr, of said circuit closer into and out oi engagement with said contacts and cxtcneions carried by said circuit closer to limit the movement oi the same upon disengagement of said circuit closer with said contacts 7. In an electric swih h nu-rhaniem. a caeing, a switch unit adapted to he aseemhled exteriorly of and ther after introduced into said casing said unit compri ing a switch l'ilock having a pair of openings formed therein at an angle with respect to each other. a pair of contact s adapted to he introduced into said openings from the end of said block, one of said contacts being cut away to hrovide shoulders adapted to engage opposite faces of said block. whereas the other of said contacts is bent upon itself to provide an interlocking engagement with said blocka circuit cloecr carried by said switch block and means associated with said switch block for moving said elo cr into and out of en gagement with said contacts.

8. In an electric switch mtwhan ism. a casing. a switch unit adapted to he a semhled exteriorlv of and thereafter introduced into said casin said unit comprising a switch block having a pair of openings formed therein at an angle with respect to each other. a pair of contacts adapted to he introduced into said openings from the end of said hloclt. one of said contacts being cut awajv to provide houldcrs adapted to engage opposite faces of raid l lo l-I whereby the contact l'n-ovidcd with said shoulders is retained against longitudinal displacement whereas the other of said contacts is bent upon itself to provide interlocking engage: ment with Fttltl switch hloc-lt' to retain sa d other contact; against longitudinal displacement. both of said contacts heing so positioned when said unit is ii'itroduced into said casing that. the caaing functions an a means for maintaining said contacts against transverse displacement with respect to each nection with said spring from its inverted other, and a circuit closer adapted to he moved into and out of engagement with said contacts.

9. In an electric switch mechanism, a casing. a switch unit adapted to he aeeemoled extcriorlv of and thereafter ii'itroduced into said casing. said unit comprising a switch block having a groove formed therein and provided with an opening, an operating incniher having a spring connected there-- to, said operating memher being adapted to he so introduced into said groove from one side of said switch block that said spring projects through said opening the other side of said block, a circuit closer in the form of a yoke having a pair of arms extending therefrom at right angles thereto, said vol-te being adapted while in an inverted position to be connected to the projecting end of said spring and to thereafter be moved about its connection with said spring from it inverted position to operating position upon said swit'h blo k, and a pair of contacts adapted to cooperate with said arma to close the current through said circuit clos r when said circuit closer moved from one po ition to the other.

10. la an electric switch inechanisn'n a casing. a switch unit adapted to he asecinhled exterior-1y of and thereafter introduced into said casing. said unit comprising a switch liiocl: having formed therein contact receiving openings. a groove and a spring receiv ing opening. an operating member having a spring connected thereto and adapted to he so introduced into said groove from one side of said lilock that said spring extends through said Fpring receiving opt-nine. a circuit closer in the form of a volie having a pair of arms extending therefrom at right. angles thereto, said yokes being adapt ed while in an inverted position to be con nected to the projecting end of said spring and to thereafter he moved about its con- 11G position to operatnig position upon Hvitch block, a pair of contacts adapted to be introduced into said contact receiving openings. and having interlocking engage I ment with said switch block, said contacts being each adapted to assume such a position with respect to said casing when said unit it; introduced therein that the casing functions as a means for maintaining said contacts within their respective openings.

1]. In an electric switch mechanism, a casing adapted for the reception of a pair of contacts, a switch unit adapted to he assembled cxteriorly of and thereafter in troduced as a unit into said casing.- said unit comprising a switch block having an open groove formed in one side thereof and provided with a spring receiving opening, an operating member having a spr'ng attached thereto, said operating member 'ng adapt-- attached i-hereto to be in an nleririo SWiU'll iuw-hnnizsm, a cmii switch unit adapied in he assembled eXtori-rmly of and lhiu'eziftei inn-mluc-ed as a unit into said cusing aid unii u niprising a Fl'viiiCi'l lork having a. groove formed then. in and 1 spring receiving: opnning communicating with said groove. 11 pair of mutants as ovini'ed with raid swiich lilock. on operating: mcmhor having a spring ntfnohed thereto, said operating memii rr being adopted with :-aid spring attached thew-0 to ho 9o introduced into said 'roove that said spring is thrrvhy projected thIOllgZl'l 'd spring roroiving opening and a virruil (lower adapted lo he uiiachr d to the projertiug end of said spring and. assume an operating position upon said switch block.

13, In on electric switch mechanism, a (24mm 52 owilir'h unit adapfml to be assemhind oxieriorly of and thoreaifer introdured on a uni? into Raid firming mid unil con prising 1!. switch block having Q'rrmve formed therein and a sprin receiving open ing communicuring with said groove, pair of contacts having interlocking engagemmu; with said switrh block whereby they are held ago?! t longitudinal movement with resper-t to enoh other. an operating member having 11 opring' attached thvrofo, said opuniting memi'ier being adapted with said R /ring :attuolzed ther to to be so introduced into said groove that said spring is ihore'uy projected through said spring receiving opening ind a circuit closer adapted to be attached lo the projecting end of said spring and. assume an operating position upon s1: id S'Niifll hlosrir i4. In :m oleotric swifuh mechanism. r-ziaing 7i atch unit adopted to ho assc-mbird extor orly wi and therouif'er liltfOdikJQ'li as :1 {mil into said musing. said unit c0mprising :2 switch hioch having 1, pair of \"on'mvl :CCPiVlIlQf openings formod fhorriu in an angular relation to each o ihor and 1mm idod wizh a groove open :21: ono sidu of said switch hlorl: and commun cating with u spring rvveiving opening: formml in mid switch blorh. an operating mmnher having a owing attarhrd thereto said operating member bring lidaptod, with mid spring: filtuchmi thereio. to he so inlrodiu sfi into m d gn'iovo from the open uido therf lhai mid spring is heroby pwjwied tfirougn mid spring roooiving opening and acirouitcloser adapted to be attached to (he projoming and of said spring and retained by said'sprin r in oporatintr position upon that one of said switch blork WlllPl' is opposite the side having' th gromr formod therein.

15, In an olectrio swilch mechanism. a casing, a which unit adapted to be assemhle/l ox oriorlv of and iherc'uftor infroriucrd as a unil' into said raging. said unit cotnprising: qwiloh block having :1 spring roroiving: opening formed thorr'in, a irruit rlosor arrougzrd ahore said block. on operating momber sllduhle acr ss (mid blooh and SDl'lIlQ drawing upwardly on said opeml'iug WILLIAM 0, MILES.

diixed my 

